6 days ago
Eglinton Country Park celebrates Volunteers Week
Volunteers from the Veterans Group, Eglinton Park Path Stewards, Breaking Ground Horticulture, Ground Force Garden Group and the Friday Conservation Volunteers attended the event
Eglinton Country Park alongside North Ayrshire Ranger Service celebrated Volunteers Week.
Volunteers were invited to Eglinton Community Gardens on Wednesday, June 4 to enjoy a thank you breakfast as Park Countryside Rangers Linda and Graeme put on a lovely spread to share their thanks for everyone's ongoing commitment.
Volunteers from the Veterans Group, Eglinton Park Path Stewards, Breaking Ground Horticulture, Ground Force Garden Group and the Friday Conservation Volunteers were all in attendance at the polytunnel hub in the heart of the local community gardens.
In the past year the groups have volunteered a staggering 3,500 hours combined of volunteering to the local country park.
Ranger Linda shared: "We're so grateful that we have such amazing volunteers whom we are lucky enough to work alongside here at Eglinton Country Park and Eglinton Community Gardens.
"Each week I look forward to connecting with them all. Although all the groups are very different, they all share the same ethos of enjoying socialising outdoors, learning new skills, improving mental health through gardening and conservation and dedicating their own time selflessly to give back to their community.
"We really appreciate the efforts of such incredible individuals and it was lovely to celebrate them during Volunteers Week."
With volunteering happening most days of the week, the local country park offers a host of opportunities.
Eglinton Park Path Stewards Group, a group of volunteers who help make the core pathways of Eglinton Park accessible for all, meets every Monday at stone shelter opposite the main carpark, from 9.30am until 12.30pm.
Main focus of the group is on path maintenance, remedial works and erosion control. This is a facilitated group who are self-led during activity.
On Tuesday's Breaking Ground Horticulture Group meets at Eglinton Community Gardens near blue bee cabin closest to Irvine/Kilwinning Rd entrance near bus stop from 9.30am until 12.30pm.
It is a gentle gardening group for people to come together, make friends, learn about growing whilst being active in the outdoors and reap the benefits of connecting to nature. The group is led by a trained horticultural practitioner.
Ground Force Gardening Group, a community garden group, meets every Thursday at blue bee cabin closest to Irvine/Kilwinning Rd entrance near bus stop, from 9.30am until 12.30pm.
Ground Force is open to all members of the community. It is an active and fun group focussing on friendship, physical activity and growing. Led by North Ayrshire Ranger Service.
Volunteers Group, a local biodiversity and Conservation focussed gardening group, meets every Friday at stone shelter opposite the main carpark, from 9.30am until 12.30pm.
Group focuses on a range of tasks including practical conservation such as invasive species control and wildlife surveying, visitor management and supporting Eglinton Community Gardens. The group is led by North Ayrshire Ranger Service.
One of the volunteers shared: "Coming to the Breaking Ground Group has really improved my confidence and I've made new friends here who have similar interests to me, so it has been a nice change of scenery."
Another volunteer added: "I'm proud to volunteer to support the Ranger Service at Eglinton Country Park. It gives me something to look forward to and it is my way of giving back to the local community, while keeping my mind sharp!"
Eglinton Park also used Volunteers Week to highlight the advantages of corporate volunteering as the team can also welcome local businesses to come along for team-building days.
Henry Jamieson from land management company Bell Ingram recently attended with his team to do some corporate volunteering.
He said: "Spending time outdoors at Eglinton Park allows you to disconnect from the usual office setting and enjoy fresh air, greenery, the calming effects of nature and being able to get your hands dirty in the process. Volunteering at a local park gives you a chance to connect with the community, make a visible impact, and support a shared public space that benefits everyone.
"Whether planting trees, cleaning up trails, or just tidying up the gardens, you can see the tangible results of your work - which is deeply rewarding.
"Bell Ingram have really enjoyed being able to contribute to the upkeep and improvement of a local recreational space that so many people and families enjoy.
"It's a way to give back with purpose. Thanks for having us Eglinton Country Park."
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands is also encouraging residents, visitors and local businesses to get involved.
He said: "Volunteering outdoors is a fantastic way to feel part of your local community. Time spent in nature also has proven health and wellbeing benefits for all ages.
"So, if you want to do your part for local biodiversity and conservation, meet new friends, learn practical skills and help us to make the park the best it can be, why not volunteer your time at one of Eglinton Country Park's weekly volunteering groups?"
There will be a volunteering opportunity on Saturday, June 21 and Saturday, June 28.
Ranger Service are enlisting volunteers for upcoming Himalayan Balsam clearing sessions.
Each day will have three hands-on sessions and appropriate clothing and footwear for wet and muddy locations are advised.
First session will take place between 10am until 11.30am, second session will be from 12 noon until 1.30pm and last session from 2pm until 3.30pm.
The beautiful pink blooms of Himalayan Balsam were introduced as a garden plant back in 1839 but the plant soon escaped and invaded wet habitats, riverbanks and ditches near towns.
This fast-growing species spreads quickly often at the expense of other native flowers, and with explosive seed pods, it spreads seeds down riverbanks causing further dispersal downstream.
The sessions are recommended to adults over the age of 18, email: eglintoncountrypark@ to sign up for your preferred session or to get involved with weekly volunteering.
